Reviews the challenges that college-level English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs present to instructors and students. Offers suggestions for authentic language experiences in classroom settings. Analyzes the literature on language and literacy, whole language, and learning styles. Offers examples of thematic units tailored to elicit authentic…

Noting that whole language is fast becoming a driving philosophy behind curriculum development, this paper discusses the whole language approach as used in public school systems, adult basic education (ABE), and English as a Second Language (ESL). The paper begins with a short summary of socio-psycholinguistics (the theory upon which whole…

Presents key aspects of the whole-language perspective; describes examples of whole-language principles in practice in elementary, secondary and adult English-as-a-Second-Language programs; and reviews recent whole-language research on second-language development. (56 references) (VWL)

This paper reviews a small sampling of recent research-supported method studies that were consistent with the prominent current philosophical practice in English-as-a-Second-Language/English-as-a-Foreign-Language (ESL/EFL) reading education. It focuses on the following: The Advent of Whole Language in ESL/EFL Study; Teaching from a Constructivist…

A discussion of spelling instruction for learners of English as a second language (ESL) looks at writing systems, the literature of ESL instruction, and the literature of English language arts in general. It begins with a typology of writing systems, examining how they represent both grammatical and phonological features. The nature of English…

A review of the literature focuses on the use of the whole language approach to second language teaching in reading instruction for students of English as a Second Language (ESL). First, research on the whole language approach is explored, particularly as it has been used to teach reading. The approach itself is explained, and growth in its use is…

A review of selected research studies and practices on the teaching of literacy to limited English proficient (LEP) students suggests that there is considerable variation in the way literacy is defined. Several methods currently being used to develop LEP students' literacy skills are reviewed. Many LEP students continue to be taught reading skills…

Immigrant deaf students face multiple challenges in school as they frequently learn two new languages simultaneously: English and American Sign Language. Some have limited or no formal schooling experience. Describes units of study--one for Spanish-literate middle school students and one for elementary students with limited literacy skills--that…

The Whole Language (WL) approach is sweeping across classrooms in the United States, bringing with it motivating and innovative ways to teach language arts skills to primary school children. With its emphasis on individual discovery, language as a social activity, and diverse "literacy events," the approach employs many techniques that are used in…

Reviews the limited research on language and literacy instruction of Mexican-American secondary students. Emerging themes indicate that secondary bilingual programs are few; English-as-a-Second-Language is the most widely used approach for developing language skills; schools that are effective with limited-English-speaking students use more…

This booklet provides strategies for implementing whole-language reading and writing in classroom and tutorial settings for at-risk learners, with a focus on migrant students. The whole-language approach integrates reading, writing, listening, and speaking into language arts, social studies, science, and other content areas. Within an environment…

A review of recent literature on the whole language approach to second language teaching focuses on the value of the approach for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learning. It examines research and theory dating back to 1977 on various aspects of the first- and second-language learning environment and process in children. Based on this review,…

English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) student writers are often labeled as having poor language proficiency skills, poor writing skills, and poor organizational skills. These labels can negatively affect teachers and students. They have become yardsticks for guiding teachers' instruction and measuring students' performance. Often, ESL writing…

This book consists of 18 essays that discuss teaching methods and resource material promoting productive school experiences for American Indian students. The first section of the book introduces the notion of empowerment of Indian students through multicultural education, foundations of Indian education, the history of Indian education, tribal and…

This paper looks at computer technology's current and potential role in developing literacy in hearing impaired (HI) adults. First, the paper considers findings of adult literacy research including the national impact of illiteracy, functional literacy, communication and thinking skills, the whole language approach, the process approach to…